Gymnastics hip circle training apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for use in training in the skills of gymnastics front and back hip circles, which may be used by a gymnast without assistance or spotting by a coach. The apparatus is constructed and arranged to keep a gymnast in a correct body position and to prevent the gymnast from being able to successfully complete the skill if the gymnast shifts from the correct body position, thereby providing the gymnast instant feedback. The apparatus comprises a plastic tube having a right side, a left side, an interior lumen and an exterior surface, a rod located within the plastic tube interior lumen, a right adjustable strap, a left side adjustable strap, a right side end cap, and a left side end cap. The apparatus may further comprise an optional vinyl or foam pad located on the exterior of the plastic tube.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/995,070, filed Jan. 10, 2020, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to sports equipment, and more particularly, to a gymnastics hip circle training apparatus and method.

In gymnastics, in both the front hip circle, and the back hip circle, novice gymnasts and even experienced gymnasts initially will not be capable of successfully performing the skill without assistance or spotting.

There are no effective options which are capable of permitting a gymnast from completing gymnastic hip circle skills on a bar without spotting by a coach, which further prevent the gymnast from completing the skills without following proper form.

A need exists for an effective training device or apparatus for gymnastics front and back hip circles. Accordingly, there is a need for a solution which is capable of use in effective training in these skills.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Advantageously, in one aspect, the present invention provides a solution which provides an apparatus and method training in the skill of gymnastics hip circles.

In one aspect, the present invention may comprise an apparatus and method for use in training in both the skills of gymnastics front hip circles and gymnastics back hip circles.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a “Hip Circle Trainer” apparatus and method capable of use by a gymnast without assistance or spotting.

In another aspect the present invention provides a “Hip Circle Trainer” apparatus constructed and arranged to keep a gymnast using the apparatus in a correct body position without assistance or spotting from a coach.

In a still further aspect the present invention provides a gymnastic hip circle training apparatus and method which in use prevents a gymnast from being able to successfully complete the skill if the gymnast shifts from the correct body position. The apparatus and method is constructed and arranged to permit the gymnast to complete the skill only if the gymnast is in the correct body position. The apparatus thereby provides the gymnast instant feedback without the need of a coach.

In one aspect the apparatus of the present invention may comprise a plastic tube having a right side, a left side, an interior lumen and an exterior surface, a rod located within the plastic tube interior lumen, a right adjustable strap, a left side adjustable strap, a right side end cap, and a left side end cap. The apparatus may further comprise an optional vinyl or foam pad located on the exterior of the plastic tube.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiment of the claimed subject matter will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention, shown in use;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a section view of the invention, taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5A is a section view of the invention, taken along line 5A-5A in

FIG. 1;

FIG. 5B is a section view of the invention, showing the first movement of the hip circle;

FIG. 5C is a section view of the invention, showing a mid-point of the hip circle;

FIG. 5D is a section view of the invention, showing the final position of the hip circle;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the invention with optional pad 28 installed; and

FIG. 7 is a section view of the invention, taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6.

It is to be understood that like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

As used herein, “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, as there is no intention to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description, it is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus and method for use in training in the skills of gymnastics front and back hip circles, which may be used by a gymnast without assistance or spotting by a coach. The apparatus may provide a hip circle trainer apparatus constructed and arranged to keep a gymnast in a correct body position and to prevent the gymnast from being able to successfully complete the skill if the gymnast shifts from the correct body position, thereby providing the gymnast instant feedback.

In an exemplary embodiment, the gymnastic training apparatus comprises a plastic tube having a right side, a left side, an interior lumen and an exterior surface, a rod located within the plastic tube interior lumen, a right side adjustable strap, a left side adjustable strap, a right side end cap, and a left side end cap. The apparatus may further comprise an optional vinyl or foam pad located on the exterior of the plastic tube.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in use. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention and FIG. 4 is a section view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2, enlarged to show detail. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the invention showing the elements or components in further detail. FIGS. 6 and 7 show an embodiment of the gymnastic training apparatus which may further comprise an optional pad 28. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the invention with optional pad 28 installed. FIG. 7 is a section view of the invention, taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6 showing further detail.

FIGS. 1, and 5A-5D show the invention in use. FIG. 5A is a section view of the invention in use taken along line 5A-5A of FIG. 1. FIGS. 5B, 5C and 5D are also section views from the same vantage point as that along line 5A-5A of FIG. 1. FIG. 5B is a section view of the invention, showing the first movement of the hip circle. FIG. 5C is a section view of the invention, showing a mid-point of the hip circle and FIG. 5D is a section view of the invention, showing the final position of the hip circle.

Referring now FIGS. 1-4, in an exemplary embodiment, the present invention comprises a gymnastic training apparatus 10 for training gymnastic hip circles on a stationary gymnastic bar device 24 skills performed by a gymnast 26. The gymnastic training apparatus comprises a cylindrical sleeve 11. The cylindrical sleeve may be made of any suitable material, such as, for example without limitation, plastic material. The cylindrical sleeve may have any suitable dimensions. The cylindrical sleeve comprises a right sleeve portion, a left sleeve portion, an exterior surface, and an interior sleeve lumen having a right sleeve opening and a left sleeve opening. The cylindrical sleeve further comprises bores 12. The bores 12 comprise a pair of right axial bores and a pair of left axial bores. The bores may have any suitable dimensions.

An interior core rod 14 is located within the interior sleeve lumen of the cylindrical sleeve 11, the interior core rod having core rod channels 16. The core rod may be made of any suitable material, such as, for example without limitation, wood, plastic or metal. In one embodiment, the core rod may be a wood dowel. The core rod channels may comprise a right axial core rod channel and a left axial core rod channel. The core rod channels may be of any suitable dimensions. The core rod channels may correspond to the bores of the cylindrical sleeve.

End caps 18 are provided at the ends of the cylindrical sleeve 11. A right end cap is located at the right cylindrical sleeve end and a left end cap is located at the left cylindrical sleeve end. The end caps may be of any suitable size and dimensions. The end caps are constructed and arranged to fit over the right sleeve opening and left sleeve opening of the cylindrical sleeve. The end caps may be made of any suitable material, such as, for example without limitation, polyvinylchloride (PVC).

Straps 20 extend through the bores 12 and core rod channels 16, and a securement element 22 holds the straps 20 in place. The straps may be made of any suitable material, such as, for example without limitation, nylon. A right adjustable strap is constructed and arranged to extend through the right core rod opening and the right sleeve bores. The right adjustable strap comprises a first right strap end, a second right strap end and a right adjustable securement element constructed and arranged to securely retain the right strap. A left adjustable strap is constructed and arranged to extend through the left core rod opening and the right sleeve bores. The left adjustable strap comprises a first left strap end, a second left strap end and a left adjustable securement element constructed and arranged to securely retain the left strap.

The gymnastic training apparatus 10 is constructed and arranged to be removably and securely mounted to the gymnastic bar device and to be adjustable to a gymnast on the stationary gymnastic bar device 24 by adjustment of the straps 20 held in place by the securement element 22. The securement element may be any suitable securement device made of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the securement element may comprise Velcro® hook and loop fasteners, an adjustable buckle, a cam buckle, a strap ratchet or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the gymnastic training apparatus may include securement elements comprising a right adjustable buckle located at the first right strap end, and a left adjustable buckle located at the first left strap end. In other embodiments, the right adjustable buckle may further comprise a right adjustable cam buckle or a right adjustable strap ratchet and the left adjustable buckle may further comprise a left adjustable cam buckle or a left adjustable strap ratchet, the right and left adjustable cam buckles or strap ratchets respectively being constructed and arranged to securely hold the right adjustable strap and the left adjustable strap in place.

In some embodiments, as seen at FIGS. 6-7, the gymnastic training apparatus 10 may further comprise an optional resilient padded sleeve 28 removably located on the exterior surface of the cylindrical sleeve 11. The padded sleeve may further comprise pad openings 30 through which straps 20 extend. Straps 20 extend through the bores 12, the core rod channels 16, and the pad openings 30, and a securement element 22 holds the straps 20 in place. The resilient padded sleeve may be made of any suitable material, such as, for example without limitation, vinyl material, foam material, or combinations thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention may comprise a gymnastic training apparatus comprising a PVC tube having a first end and a second end, and further having a length of between about 18″ to 24″. The PVC tube may be any suitable diameter. In some embodiments, the diameter of the PVC tube may be between about 1.0-2.0 inches.

The gymnastic training apparatus may further comprise a wood dowel placed inside the PVC tube. The wood dowel may be of any suitable dimensions, length and diameter. In some embodiments, the dowel may be sized or selected to fit snugly within the interior lumen of the cylindrical sleeve of the apparatus. In some embodiments, the wood dowel may have a length of between about 18″ to 24″. The gymnastic training apparatus may further comprise an optional vinyl or foam padding to cover the PVC tube. The gymnastic training apparatus may further comprise a right side adjustable strap; a left side adjustable strap. The device may further comprise first and second PVC end caps.

FIGS. 1, and 5A-5D show the invention in use. FIG. 5A is a section view of the invention in use taken along line 5A-5A of FIG. 1. FIGS. 5B, 5C and 5D are also section views from the same vantage point as that along line 5A-5A of FIG. 1. FIG. 5B is a section view of the invention, showing the first movement of the hip circle. FIG. 5C is a section view of the invention, showing a mid-point of the hip circle and FIG. 5D is a section view of the invention, showing the final position of the hip circle.

In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention may comprise a gymnastic training method comprising one or more of the following steps and combinations thereof.

(a) providing a gymnastic training apparatus 10 as described herein; (b) providing a stationary gymnastics bar device 24; (c) placing and securing the gymnastic training apparatus on the stationary gymnastics bar device so that the gymnastic training apparatus hangs from the stationary gymnastics bar device a first predetermined distance, the predetermined distance defining a space between the gymnastic training apparatus and the stationary gymnastics bar device; (d) having a gymnast 26 with a pair of arms and a pair of legs, who is using the stationary gymnastics bar device assume a front support position on the stationary gymnastics bar device (as best seen at FIGS. 1 and 5A); (e) having the gymnast place the pair of legs through the space between the gymnastic training apparatus and the stationary gymnastics bar device while holding the front support position (also seen at FIGS. 1 and 5A); (f) adjusting the gymnastic training apparatus to the gymnast using the stationary gymnastics bar device so that the gymnastic training apparatus hangs from the stationary gymnastics bar device a second predetermined distance, the second predetermined distance being low enough to rest against the pair of legs of the gymnast at an upper thigh area or lower buttocks area of the gymnast when the gymnast is in the front support position so that the gymnastic training apparatus supports the gymnast against the stationary gymnastics bar device (also seen at FIGS. 1 and 5A); and (g) having the gymnast starting in the front support position holding onto the stationary gymnastics bar device circle (seen at FIGS. 1 and 5A) forward to complete a forward hip circle (as seen at FIG. 5B), or circle backward to complete a back hip circle (as seen at FIGS. 5C and 5D) in a correct body position maintained by the gymnastic training apparatus without assistance or physical spot from a coach.

The gymnastics hip circle trainer apparatus provides a solution to the problem of requiring hands on spotting of a gymnast or gymnastics student by a teacher or coach by providing an apparatus capable of safely assisting a gymnast. The gymnastics training apparatus of the present invention may free up the teacher or coach to spot and safely assist at another station. As a result the gymnastic training apparatus helps to keep the classes and team workouts more productive.

The gymnastic training apparatus may be used as a hip circle trainer for a student gymnast or gymnast. The hip circle trainer may be placed on a low bar of a set of uneven bars or any stationary bar by straps including any suitable securement element. The securement element may comprise Velcro® fasteners, or a buckle. When adjusted the gymnastic training apparatus should hang low enough to rest against the upper thigh or under the buttocks of the gymnast. In use, gymnasts will place their legs through the space between the bar and the hip circle trainer apparatus and hold themselves in a front support. The hip circle trainer supports the gymnast against the bar. The gymnast while starting in the front support position and holding onto the bar may then circle forward or backward in the correct body position without the assistance or a physical spot from the coach. If the gymnast uses incorrect body position the gymnast will not be able to complete the circle and have to start again from the front support starting position, thereby giving the gymnast instant feedback. The gymnast will not have to dismount the bar to start the next attempt. When the correct body position is maintained throughout, the gymnast will finish in the front support position and have completed the skill successfully. The gymnastics hip circle trainer apparatus is to be used as an aid to assist the student/gymnast in learning front and back hip circles by themselves on the bar in the correct body position and supports their weight.

In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention may be made in the following manner. A tube of PVC material may be cut to the desired length. A dowel of the same length may be placed inside the PVC tube for strength. Holes may then be drilled proximal to each end to accommodate the securement straps. The straps may then be threaded through the holes. The straps may be secured by Velcro® hook and loop fasteners or any suitable securement element. Velcro® hook and loop fasteners may be sewn to the strap. In some embodiments, any suitable securement element such as a buckle, cam buckle, or other device may be attached to the strap by any suitable process. The strap may be provided in custom lengths or sizes, or may be adjustable and capable of being adjusted in use so that it is secured to the bar at a desired length.

In some embodiments, loops may be sewn on the Velcro® straps for use with adjustable straps. In such a configuration, the end caps would need to remain detachable for loop adjustments.

In summary, the present invention provides a gymnastic hip circle training apparatus and method of use without assistance or spotting by a coach. The apparatus is constructed and arranged to keep a gymnast in a correct body position and to prevent the gymnast from being able to successfully complete the skill if the gymnast shifts from the correct body position, thereby providing the gymnast instant feedback. The apparatus comprises a plastic tube having an interior lumen and an exterior surface, a support rod located within the interior lumen, right and left adjustable straps and right and left end caps. The apparatus may further comprise an optional vinyl or foam pad located on the plastic tube exterior surface.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications, variations and changes in detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A gymnastic training apparatus for training gymnastic hip circles on a stationary gymnastic bar device, the gymnastic training apparatus comprising: (a) a cylindrical sleeve comprising a right sleeve portion, a left sleeve portion, an exterior surface, and an interior sleeve lumen having a right sleeve opening and a left sleeve opening; the cylindrical sleeve further comprising a pair of right axial bores and a pair of left axial bores; (b) an interior core rod located within the interior sleeve lumen of the cylindrical sleeve, the interior core rod having a right axial core rod channel and a left axial core rod channel; (c) a right end cap located at the right cylindrical sleeve end; (d) a left end cap located at the left cylindrical sleeve end; (d) a right adjustable strap constructed and arranged to extend through the right core rod opening and the right sleeve bores, the right adjustable strap comprising a first right strap end, a second right strap end and a right adjustable securement element constructed and arranged to securely retain the right strap; and (e) a left adjustable strap constructed and arranged to extend through the left core rod opening and the right sleeve bores, the left adjustable strap comprising a first left strap end, a second left strap end and a left adjustable securement element constructed and arranged to securely retain the left strap; the gymnastic training apparatus being constructed and arranged to be removably and securely mounted to the gymnastic bar device and to be adjustable to a gymnast on the stationary gymnastic bar device by adjustment of the right adjustable strap and the left adjustable strap.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a resilient pad removably located on the exterior surface of the cylindrical sleeve.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the resilient pad is made of vinyl material, foam material, or combinations thereof.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cylindrical sleeve is made of a plastic material.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the right end cap and the left end cap are made of polyvinylchloride (PVC).
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the interior core rod comprises a wood dowel.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the right adjustable strap securement element and the left adjustable strap securement element comprise Velcro® hook and loop fasteners.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the right adjustable strap securement element comprises a right adjustable buckle located at the first right strap end, and the left adjustable strap securement element comprises a left adjustable buckle located at the first left strap end.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the right adjustable buckle further comprises a right adjustable cam buckle or a right adjustable strap ratchet and the left adjustable buckle further comprises a left adjustable cam buckle or a left adjustable strap ratchet, the right and left adjustable cam buckles or strap ratchets respectively being constructed and arranged to securely hold the right adjustable strap and the left adjustable strap in place.
 10. A gymnastic training method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a gymnastic training apparatus as in claim 1; (b) providing a stationary gymnastics bar device; (c) placing and securing the gymnastic training apparatus on the stationary gymnastics bar device so that the gymnastic training apparatus hangs from the stationary gymnastics bar device a first predetermined distance, the predetermined distance defining a space between the gymnastic training apparatus and the stationary gymnastics bar device; (d) having a gymnast with a pair of arms and a pair of legs, who is using the stationary gymnastics bar device assume a front support position on the stationary gymnastics bar device; (e) having the gymnast place the pair of legs through the space between the gymnastic training apparatus and the stationary gymnastics bar device while holding the front support position; (f) adjusting the gymnastic training apparatus to the gymnast using the stationary gymnastics bar device so that the gymnastic training apparatus hangs from the stationary gymnastics bar device a second predetermined distance, the second predetermined distance being low enough to rest against the pair of legs of the gymnast at an upper thigh area or lower buttocks area of the gymnast when the gymnast is in the front support position so that the gymnastic training apparatus supports the gymnast against the stationary gymnastics bar device; and (g) having the gymnast starting in the front support position holding onto the stationary gymnastics bar device circle forward to complete a forward hip circle, or circle backward to complete a back hip circle in a correct body position maintained by the gymnastic training apparatus without assistance or physical spot from a coach. 